Aspen or Whistler?

[highpeaksdrifter]

So my wife who is a non-skier says to me out of the blue yesterday, “Would you like to go to Aspen or Whistler for a vacation next year? I just want to go to a place where I have something to do while you and Matt are skiing. Historically we’ve taken a vacation in April to Florida or Arizona, so needless to say I was very open to her suggestion.

We can use Starwood points to stay at no charge at a Sheraton property. Both Aspen and Whistler have one.

Anyways, I’ve never been to either place, which one has more to do for a non-skier during the day? We have Pres. Week and the first week in April as options.

 

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

aspen is more of a "real town", but both probably have more than enough to keep a non-skier occupied. probably can't go wrong either way.

whistler could be interesting if you want to combine a quick day/two-day trip to vancouver, which is a gorgeous city.

also, don't know if going to a canadian ski resort during president's week in the U.S. will mean less crowds than aspen. maybe not, since whistler is a pretty big draw for americans, too.

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

typically I;'d say Whistler hands down...the place is mecca and there is a ton of stuff for non skiers to do. Its like Vail, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Snowbird, and Alta all thrown into a blender. However, next year is the olympics...so Feb vacation is out...and April is hit or miss on weather, could be dumping up top and raining in the village...though early April is safer than later in the month. For 09/10 Aspen may be a better bet...and it is much easier to get to...its a cool town for her and there's great skiing to be had.

 

[RootDKJ]

Seems like a good "problem" to have

 

[snowmonster]

Haven't been to Aspen but I think you would enjoy skiing Whistler/Blackcomb and your wife will find plenty to do around the base village to keep herself occupied. The spa at the Westin (where you'll probably be staying) is top-notch and she'll have her choice of shops, restaurants and other diversions. If Whistler bores her, Vancouver is just a bus ride away.

I hear President's Week can get crowded with tourists from around here. I was there on the second weekend of April (for the TELUS festival) and it was awesome (except for the fog and cloud cover)! Beware the Olympics next year. Prices in Whistler can be higher than usual.

 

[BigJay]

I've travelled twice in April on I-70... I wonder how they do with snow... You can't see Aspen from the Highway... but Glenwood is always dry...

Two weeks ago, we drove through the storm that left denver with several inches and Idaho Springs with 24-30in of snow... Well, as soon as we passed through Vail Pass, everything melted and grass was showing not even 15mins after the pass... To think we had to sleep in a shelter in Idaho Springs and that the highway was closed seemed odd...

Then i had a friend who was up in Whistler the same week as i was out in CO and she had great snow...

So i'd say between the two, for reliable conditions, i'd go with Whistler...

 

[deadheadskier]

Aspen for three reasons

1. Much less time in a plane to get too

2. Better chances of sunny weather. While Whistler I'm sure has equal if not better off hill activities, how fun will they be if you have to walk around in the rain? Aspen it's nearly a guarantee to be either snowing or dry the majority of your trip.

3. Currency - no guarantees now whether the exchange rate will be favorable or not in a year


lastly, I would definitely recommend February over April for greater chances of drier snow at both locations. Plus, if you go then and your wife still gets the winter blahs; you can still take her to Florida in April

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

lastly, I would definitely recommend February over April for greater chances of drier snow at both locations. Plus, if you go then and your wife still gets the winter blahs; you can still take her to Florida in April

DHS, you where making good points till you got to this. This is crazy talk.;-)

 

[jerryg]

Watch Aspen Extreme and then Ski School and decide!

If it's next year, I'd go with Aspen. Ajax isn't typically crowded and the town can't be beat for ski history. The skiing won't be as expansive as WB, but with Highlands and Snowmass, you really can't go wrong.

 

[RENO]

The Olympics start Feb 12th which is the Friday before Presidents week. Feb 12- 28...

 

[deadheadskier]

DHS, you where making good points till you got to this. This is crazy talk.;-)

Crazy, but such desperate actions could pay off in future ski vacations. You must become one with a woman's thought process sensai.

 

[snoseek]

Between the four Aspen resorts there is probably as much if not more acres as Whister Blackcomb-just not all skiable in the same day. Not as much vert but probably won't be too crowded either. Conditions are pretty consistent packed powder in between storms. Elevation can be tough if your from Sea Level though.

 

[SIKSKIER]

If the wife likes to party go to Whistler.There are a ton of bars and the village is pedestian only.I forgot the name of the place I stayed but it had a liquor store right under our condo!

 

[mattchuck2]

If the wife likes to party go to Whistler.There are a ton of bars and the village is pedestian only.I forgot the name of the place I stayed but it had a liquor store right under our condo!

Yeah, I think I (as a 20 something) would definitely prefer Whistler.

But Aspen does have a better chance of having good weather.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Aspen for light and dry Rocky Mountain powder..the base of Aspen is higher than the summit of Whistler..and you can fly right into Aspen..I've never been there but my PASR buddys NazarethSkier Jay and JohnnyStyle are both Aspen fanboys..

 

[Edd]

Whistler/Blackcomb : 8171 acres

All 4 Aspen mountains: 5303 acres

I'm just sayin.

 

[abc]

Why does everybody say Aspen is "easier to get to"???

You can fly to Vancouver in the same time you can get to Danver. Then an hour of drive to get to Whistler. No worry about a storm stopping your little grass hopper plane from landing or taking off at Aspen.

Take it from someone who spend several hours at Aspen airport getting shuffled on the plane, off the plane, on the plane again, only to get off the plane into a car (drove to Denver) in the end!

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Why does everybody say Aspen is "easier to get to"???

You can fly to Vancouver in the same time you can get to Danver. Then an hour of drive to get to Whistler. No worry about a storm stopping your little grass hopper plane from landing or taking off at Aspen.

Take it from someone who spend several hours at Aspen airport getting shuffled on the plane, off the plane, on the plane again, only to get off the plane into a car (drove to Denver) in the end!

Have you ever driven from Vancouver airport to Whistler in an hour???

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

Why does everybody say Aspen is "easier to get to"???

You can fly to Vancouver in the same time you can get to Danver.

yeah...if you take the concorde from O'hare to Vancouver vs a Cesna to Denver. Geography wasn't your strongest subject huh? Not saying Aspen can't be a hassle to fly in/out of, but to say you can fly to Vancouver in the same time as Denver is just plain silly. Another option is to fly into Eagle/Vail...far fewer weather delays vs Aspen and direct flights from Chicago...rent a car and drive, its about an hour and a half vs the nearly 4 to denver.

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

Have you ever driven from Vancouver airport to Whistler in an hour???

not a freakin chance...unless you're in a helicopter.